American Airways is making a serious funding in Chicago, the place it has added a ton of extra flights to and from O’Hare Worldwide Airport (ORD) over the previous yr — all because it ramps up competition with Windy Metropolis rival United Airways.
Up subsequent? An enormous lounge improve.
American on Tuesday introduced plans to construct an all-new Admirals Membership facility at ORD.
This 10,000-square-foot membership will function the airline’s new Concourse L outpost — not removed from the place passengers clear safety in Terminal 3.
American already operates three Admirals Golf equipment (and a extra premium Flagship Lounge) at ORD, together with an ordinary membership that serves Concourse L passengers.
Learn extra: The best airport lounges at O’Hare International Airport — and how to get inside
This new lounge would substitute the present L facility and function a major enchancment from the present area. The provider is promising extra capability, nods to the Windy Metropolis and sweeping views of the airport’s airfield.
It will sport the brand new design aesthetic that American has rolled out to a few of its latest golf equipment, together with the one proven beneath at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA).
“The brand new Admirals Membership® lounge will supply extra seating and upgraded facilities and absolutely mirror the requirements our prospects count on when visiting one in every of our lounges,” Heather Garboden, the Fort Price-based provider’s chief buyer officer, mentioned in an announcement Tuesday.
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The airline didn’t reveal a date for the opening of its new O’Hare Admirals Membership however famous that development to create area for the power is already underway.
American had promised a “steady stream” of lounge news coming into 2026. The provider already has lounge overhauls in the works at its Charlotte Douglas Worldwide Airport (CLT) and DCA hubs.
American doubles down on O’Hare
We must always word that that is the newest in a sequence of strikes American has made to double down on its Midwest hub.
Since final summer season, the airline has added flights from ORD at a torrent tempo. Throughout the first half of 2026, its whole departures from the airport are set to be up 17% versus final yr, in accordance with knowledge from aviation analytics agency Cirium.
Prime rival United Airways, which is predicated in Chicago, has taken discover.
United has responded to American’s progress by including a barrage of its own flights from ORD, vowing to “draw a line in the sand” on the airport amid the airline trade’s hottest turf conflict.
United additionally not too long ago deployed billboards round its hometown with a message clearly pointed at American. (AAdvantage is the title of American’s loyalty program.)
Finally, this not-so-friendly competitors probably advantages prospects: Extra flights and competitors on routes usually convey down fares.
Now, American flyers in Chicago will see an enchancment to the airline’s lounge lineup on the airport.
How one can entry American Airways Admirals Golf equipment
To enter American’s Admirals Golf equipment, you should buy an annual membership. First-time enrollment charges for nonelite standing members begin at $850 for the yr.
Nonetheless, there are a number of cheaper methods to gain access.
Plus, American Airlines AAdvantage members with AAdvantage Platinum standing (Oneworld Sapphire) and higher can enter its lounges when touring on eligible long-haul itineraries.
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